Disclaimer: I don't own these characters. Just borrowing them from Shoot the Moon Productions. The story is mine.
Rating: Primarily PG, possibly PG-13. I'm not sure where the line is drawn.
I got some information from "Fodor's San Francisco 2002," as I don't know everything.
The Stetsons do a lot of things I like to do and some things I haven't but wish I could.
This story takes place at the time Jamie is starting college (Fall 1993) The Stetsons came out about their marriage a year after they were married and had a renewing of vows ceremony/wedding. Both Joe and Billy have died by this time. Lee is in Billy's position with Francine as his assistant and Amanda is Beaman's assistant in the training department. Lee hasn't officially adopted the boys, but they call him Dad now. Dotty is married to Captain Curt since early 1988 and lives near Carrie (Joe's widow) and her daughter, Katie. Phillip is still living at home saving money to come out to San Francisco to go to the Academy of Art where his girlfriend is studying Fashion Design. He works for IFF helping in film production to help them maintain their cover. When the story starts, they have already dropped off Jamie at college. They all flew out. Boxes are being sent out to Jamie by UPS. Jamie is starting an orientation week while the Stetson are staying in San Francisco and enjoying a second honeymoon. They were going to Paris in 1988, but it got canceled due to an emergency at work. This is the first time they've been able to get away. Lee has been to San Francisco a few times-as a kid with his uncle and as a young agent. This is Amanda's first visit. They flew out on Sunday, rented a car, got Jamie situated at school then got into their hotel in San Francisco too late to do anything (their bodies are still adjusting to the time change).
Monday
Amanda and Lee stood on the sidewalk across the street from the hotel waiting for the cable car. Amanda shivered in the early morning fog even though she had on a long sleeved blouse, sweater and jean jacket. She definitely would be shed a layer or two by noon, but at this time it wasn't enough.
"Do you want to go back to the hotel and get something else on?" Lee asked.
"No, a cable car is coming. We have too much to do today to wait for another one. I'll be okay and probably too warm once the sun comes out. They said the fog would clear. It's September. That's supposed to be when San Francisco has the best weather," Amanda rambled and moved closer to Lee.
Amanda, we can sit in the inside part of the car so you'll be warmer, Lee suggested.
"Amanda saw that the inner car was already jammed full of people."
"Okay," Lee answered.
The cable car climbed over the hills and ended near Fisherman's Wharf Our handsome spy couple got off quickly and walked towards Ghiradelli Square.
They loaded up on chocolate and other gifts and then decided to have an Indian dinner at Gaylord's. They enjoyed the meal and Amanda made sure Lee didn't order anything too spicy. She didn't want him to start an antacid habit, the way Billy had.
As they left the restaurant, Amanda started putting back on the layers she took off during the day. The fog had rolled in during the hour that they were inside. They could still see the Golden Gate Bridge but it was now shrouded in a gray mist. Lee brought Amanda closer into his arms and they just stood like that for a little while.
Lee broke the silence saying "Should we book a trip to Alcatraz for tomorrow?"
"No," Amanda responded. "I think I want to go out to Golden Gate Park and that area tomorrow if it's nice. If it's not nice, I want to go up to the Wine Country where it will be warmer. If we go for a boat ride I'd rather go to Sausalito, Tiburon or Jack London Square. There's also all that shopping near the hotel and the shows over there."
"Oh boy, there she goes," Lee mumbled.
Amanda gave him a small swat with her tourist guide. She knew she rambles and took the teasing from Lee with good humor. They had been through this routine many times and "made-up" with a kiss.
A teenager riding by on a skateboard said: "Get a room."
"I guess that's our cue to return to the hotel and do whatever," Lee whispered to Amanda. "Kids these days. You wouldn't have let Jamie or Phillip talk like that, would you?"
"Of course not. They wouldn't anyway."
Lee and Amanda went back to the cable car turnaround. When they got on, they crowded into the part that's closed in. They're stood almost nose to nose as many tourists who didn't have hotels near the wharf were returning to their downtown hotels by cable car. Lee wished that he had taken a cab.
They got off the cable car by their hotel and ran into the lobby. Lee rubbed Amanda's hands in his as they waited for the elevator, which had three glass sides facing to the outdoors. As they rode up, Amanda faced towards Lee as looking outside made her queasy. Lee didn't like looking out on the ride down as it gave him that sinking feeling. When they got to the fifteenth floor they went into their room that overlooks Union Square. Amanda and Lee walkover to the window and enjoyed the scenery for a while, then shut the blinds and curtains.
Lee started kissing Amanda up and down her face and neck.
"Lee, I need a shower. It will warm me up and I just want to clean up."
"I can sure use one too. Can I scrub your back?"
Tuesday
It was already sunny at seven when they woke up. Lee put in a call for room service and they took their showers while they waited. Lee had a cup of coffee and Amanda had scrambled eggs with tomatoes on the side and coffee.
"You've got to try these tomatoes, Lee. They're better then any we've had at home this year."
Okay, but I get a bite of your eggs with that too." Lee said as he sat down.
In the end, Lee had eaten about half of Amanda's breakfast, so she was still a little bit hungry and he was fuller then usual.
"So where to today, my lady?" Lee asked with a half bow.
"I wish we could see Jamie," Amanda mused.
"Come on. We've said our good-byes the other day. He's probably off to breakfast or whatever they have scheduled for orientation today. Do you want to see the park today? It seems a bit warmer."
"Oh yes, but I'm not sure what part first. It's so long and skinny."
"We could rent skates and get around faster, Lee suggested."
"Just get the car, Lee." Amanda hadn't skated since she was a teenager and didn't think it was the time to start again, especially with the in-line kind the kids were wearing these days.
"Okay, since we'll have it out, why don't we drive up to the Golden Gate Bridge and take a walk across? It is windy up there so dress accordingly."
They drove out to the park and walked around the Japanese Tea Garden. Since it was such a nice day they decided not to go into the aquarium and museums. Then they drove over to the Golden Gate Bridge and walked half way across and then back. Lee was snapping pictures of Alcatraz, Angel Island and the Marin Headlands.
"This is just gorgeous, Lee. I wouldn't mind retiring out here."
"What about your mother? By the time we're old enough to retire she'll be pretty old. Do you think she'd want to come out here too? Amanda, It's one o'clock. I'm starving. Those little cookies at the tea garden didn't really stay with me and I need to use the bathroom"
Amanda asked, "What kind of food would you like? It looks like we have the world to choose from."
"I want seafood and their great sourdough bread," Lee responded. "Francine told me about going to the Cliff House when she and Leatherneck were on their honeymoon. You can see the seals on Seal Rock and then visit the Musée Mécanique afterwards".
"What's that?" Amanda asked?
"You'll see." Lee just flashed her one of his dimpled grins.
Lee and Amanda hustled back to their rental car and drove through the Presidio, then out to the beach and up the hill to the coast. Amanda was looking at her guidebook and said that there had once been an amusement park where there are now condos and a Safeway.
Lee interjected, "That should give you a clue about the museum."
"Huh?"
Lee found a parking spot up the hill and they walked down the sidewalk.
"Look at those ruins, Lee."
"What does the guidebook say about them?"
"They were called the Sutro baths. They had six large swimming pools or baths as they called them. It was closed in 1952 and burned down in 1966. We should be able to see pictures of it in the Cliff House gift store."
They arrived at the door and went upstairs to eat. They were lucky enough to get a window seat. Amanda was distracted by the seals on the rocks and hardly looked at the menu.
"Earth to Amanda, would you like some white wine?"
"Oh that sounds great. I think I just want soup for lunch."
Lee spoke to the waiter, "I'll have the special, and we need an extra soup. Also, an extra small plate. Also, two glasses of your finest white wine. Does this come with sourdough bread?"
"Yes, of course." the waiter responded, took their menus and walked away.
"Lee, I wish I had brought binoculars."
"Well, we can put a quarter in those things they have down there to look at them. Oh, wait a minute. Look through my zoom lens.
Amanda picked up the heavy camera and adjusted the lens on a baby seal near its mother on the closest rock.
"Oh Lee, he's so cute," Amanda gushed.
She passed the camera over to him and he took a look.
"You couldn't take him from his mother anymore then someone could take Jamie or Phillip from you," Lee admonished. Amanda was looking like a kid begging her parent for a kitten.
"Oh my gosh! I just feel like my babies are being taken away. College, girlfriends. Next thing you know they'll be getting married and having babies of their own. I mean their wives, not them."
Lee noticed that Amanda's eyes were glistening with unshed tears. He handed her his handkerchief and she dabbed at her eyes and gave it back to him.
The food came and they ate it all and had dessert, too. They didn't want to leave the beautiful scenery. Since they came near the end of lunchtime, there weren't a lot of people waiting and they weren't rushed. They bought some pictures and postcards of the past cliffhouses, Sutro baths, and Seal Rocks in the gift shop. There were also movie star pictures and Amanda found a nice picture of Katharine Hepburn. Lee picked out a picture of John Wayne.
They made their way down the steep stairs to the lower level to the Musée Mécanique. Amanda jumped when Laughing Sal started laughing. She didn't expect it. She read the sign nearby saying that Sal had come from the old Playland at the Beach that had been the boardwalk type amusement park down the hill.
Amanda got some coins out of her purse and enjoyed the nickelodeons, but her favorite was the big model of an amusement park. Lee squeezed the handle that was supposed to show what kind of lover he was. It went all the way to the top. Amanda laughed.
"Gee, big fella. You didn't need to spend a quarter. I could have told you that," Amanda said as she ran her fingers down his bicep. "Did you save any quarters for the machines outside?"
"No, I thought you saw what you wanted through the zoom lens." Lee responded.
"Oh yeah. Why don't we take some pictures, too?" They walked out on to the patio.
Since there was no one around they took pictures of each other in front of the rock and then Lee found a place to prop the camera and put the timer on. They smiled during one and he set it again and they kissed and kept kissing after the camera clicked.
"I think we better get the camera and go before this goes too far," Amanda broke away and giggled.
On the drive back to the hotel, Lee yawned, and Amanda offered to drive.
"It's okay honey. Kiss me on the next red light. That should keep me awake."
A few blocks later, they got a red light. Amanda and Lee kissed until the car behind them honked.
"We'll need to take a nap if we're going out tonight," Amanda yawned.
"Is this the night we have tickets to the show?" Lee asked.
"I don't know. I don't have them with me. If its not tonight, I'd be just as happy to grab some Chinese food and then stay in with a movie."
A few minutes later they were at the hotel and parked the car in the garage.
Amanda and Lee rode up the elevator again and Amanda braved a few peeks out to the beautiful blue sky. Once they were in their room, Lee checked the messages and told Amanda there were messages for them from Jamie and Dotty.
She called Dotty first. Dotty wanted to know about how Jamie was settling and how their trip was. Amanda gave her Jamie's number for future reference, but said she would call Jamie and then call her back.
She got Jamie's roommate and he had to hunt him down in the game room down the hall.
"Hi, Mom. How's Lee? How's your vacation so far?"
Amanda gushed, "It's been great. Like a second honeymoon. I miss you though. Are you enjoying the orientation?"
"Yes, and I got all the classes I wanted. I ran into that girl who told me about Berkeley when she came to D.C. last year. We have a couple of general education classes together. She wants to do something in languages or international studies or something. Maybe she'll be a spy like you. Don't worry, I didn't tell her my Mom and Dad were spies.
"You'll talk her out of going into that field, won't you?" Amanda asked with a worried voice. "How would you like it if you get home late from a long day of doctoring and your wife hasn't made dinner because she's out on a stake-out or something?"
"Mom, I hardly know her and you already have us married. I'm not even sure if I'll ask her out. I don't even know where she's living. Can I talk to Dad?"
"Okay, sweetie. Please write and call okay. Eat your vegetables. Lee, Jamie wants to talk to you."
Lee took the phone from Amanda, "Jamie, how are you? What's this about a girl?"
"Nothing, really. I ran into one of the girls from California that came to D.C. and she is in a couple of my classes. Mom just jumped the gun. I just want to make some friends first, guys and girls with similar interests. Then later, I'll see if I have time and who I'm interested in."
"Well, let me know if I can be of any help. I'm sure we'll talk again before we leave. Bye."
Amanda picked up the phone and called her mother again. She gave a brief synopsis of her discussion with Jamie and told her she'd call Phillip later. Amanda was getting tired, but she checked their tickets to Beach Blanket Babylon, first.
"Lee, what day is it today?"
"Tuesday, why?"
Amanda responded, "These tickets are for tomorrow night. I might be able to stay up until 8:00, but not make it through the show. I think a nap would just make me feel groggy. Let's just rest a while and we can take our time getting dinner if we do ever get hungry again."
"Sounds good to me." He grabbed her around the waist and pulled her to the bed.
A few hours later, Lee was snoring softly and Amanda was over at the window in her robe. The sun was setting and the bay reflected the pinks and oranges that were in the sky. Amanda picked up Lee's camera that was on the table and took a few pictures. The clicking and Amanda's oohs and ahs woke Lee up. He grabbed his robe and went to the window.
"This is awesome, Amanda. You should have woken me sooner."
"I wasn't sure if you wanted to get up yet and I was trying to be quiet."
"I'm glad I didn't bring my quiet ‘spy' camera. It's just not the same in the pictures. Amanda, you never had to worry about waking me to see something beautiful in creation-that includes you."
They started kissing. Lee tried to open Amanda's robe, but she swatted his hand away.
"Lee someone might see."
"I doubt it, unless they were spying on us. Don't forget how high we are. Do you see any other windows facing this way, this high?"
"Yeah, yeah Stetson. I just don't want this to be a show that should be over on Broadway."
"I have an idea. Why don't we get dressed and head over that way?"
"I will not. And you're not either." Amanda knew Lee was kidding, but pretended to be mad and shocked.
"Okay, okay. We do go in that direction tomorrow for that show. It's in North Beach. I believe just a few blocks away. I think it would be prudent to take a taxi. Are you hungry yet, for tonight?"
"Not really. But I might be after a walk," Amanda smiled at him.
They dressed in jeans, long-sleeved rugby shirts and jean jackets. It was a balmy evening and they enjoyed their walk to Chinatown. Amanda bought a pair of Chinese slippers for herself and her mother. Lee bought Amanda a pair of hairsticks for Amanda's hair. Amanda hadn't really worn it up that much since they were married, but Lee liked it that way and hope this would encourage her to at least try. It was usually just a little bit too short, but now it was getting long again.
Lee suggested they eat before they do any more shopping. They found a nice place and enjoyed sharing a few dishes including Spring Rolls, Sweet and Sour Pork, Cashew Chicken and Snow Peas Beef.
Amanda smiled when the check and fortune cookies came. She loved the cookies and tried to talk Lee out of his. He gave her the cookie, but kept the fortune.
Lee read from the small slip of paper, "It says, ‘a beautiful brunette will let you get lucky tonight.'"
"It does not! What does it really say?"
"You will be blessed with love and a big family.
"I've got the same one. What are the odds?"
They walked hand in hand out to the still mild evening. The shops were closing and most of the people that were out were headed to their homes or hotels.
Lee asked, "Do you want to walk or take a cab?"
"I think I need to walk this off. Besides, I'd rather have fresh air." Amanda answered.
They walked down Grant, then up Post to Powell and their hotel, stopping in front of the China Gate to take a couple of pictures.
Lee and Amanda were the only ones in the elevator. Amanda blocked the panel of buttons from Lee and pushed the top floor, then distracted him with a long kiss. At the top, she pushed the button for the lobby and twirled him to face the outside.
"Oh, no you don't."
He quickly jabbed the button for the fifteenth floor and grabbed her hands.
"Can't take that sinking feeling, huh?" Amanda teased.
"What's got into you?"
"Can't a girl have some fun with her guy?"
"So you're answering a question with a question. Are you nervous about something?"
"No, should I be?"
"Can't think of a thing. Well, here we are."
They walked into their room.
"What's on agenda for tomorrow?" Lee asked.
"Other than the show, nothing."
"Let's play it by ear. Maybe you'd like to visit some of the shops around here." Lee said as he flipped through their tour book and then smiled. "I think I'm going to set up a surprise for you. I'll let you know. If you want to get up and shop without me, that's okay. We can have lunch, and I'll let you know if I was able to set it up."
"Lee, should I lose sleep over this?"
"No, I think you will love it. I think I'll go see if the concierge is still up."
"I'll take a shower and get ready for bed," Amanda said and kicked off her shoes.
Twenty minutes later Lee returned with a gift bag.
Amanda asked, "Is that my surprise?"
"No, it's just something I saw and knew you had to have it."
Amanda walked around the bed to get the bag from Lee. She was wearing a matching slip-style nightgown and robe made of white satin. It made her summer tan stand out. Lee smiled as she dug deep into the tissue and pulled out the small stuffed seal. Amanda gave her thanks in a deep kiss with her arms wrapped around Lee's neck as she still held on to the seal.
"He's adorable, Lee. How did you manage?"
"While the concierge was getting our reservations for oops, not going to tell, I went into the gift shop to see if I could find something like this. You were so taken with the live ones on the rocks." Lee grinned knowing he hit the mark with this gift.
"So what about reservations for tomorrow? I'll let you have your surprise, but what should I wear? Amanda was trying to hint for even a little hint.
"A nice dress, but suitable for daytime. Comfortable shoes, in case we decide to walk afterwards. We should have time for a bit of a rest after lunch, if you want."
"Okay, enough talk about tomorrow." Amanda said as she slipped off her robe.
Wednesday
The next morning they slept until 9:00. It may have been longer, except Amanda's grumbling stomach woke her. She ordered coffee for two, a boiled egg, grapefruit and a croissant to be sent up in fifteen minutes. She took a quick shower, washing her hair and then peeked out to see if Lee was awake. He was rolling over and feeling the space left by Amanda.
"Amanda, where are you?"
"In the bathroom, she answered. "I ordered some coffee for you, just in case you woke up, but you can skip it and go back to sleep if you want."
"No, I'll get up. I want to go with you. "
Lee got into the shower and Amanda tidied up until room service came.
They enjoyed their breakfast at the table by the window, then got dressed and went out. Amanda loved the San Francisco City Center with Nordstrom's at the top. Lee bought one of their ties. He couldn't believe how many there were. Amanda found a couple pair of shoes. She had something she could wear that afternoon; but decided if she found something she liked better, she would get it. It was a weird time of year because it was still warm, but the stores already had the warm fall clothes out. The summer sales racks were a bit picked over. Finally, Amanda found a two-piece white dress with handkerchief hem.. There were even some cutouts at the neckline. Amanda had shooed Lee off to the music store to see if he could find something for Phillip, so he didn't see her purchase. She wanted to have a surprise of her own.
She went down to find him at the music store and they picked out a couple of cassettes of Phillip's favorite group.
"Should I get something for Jamie, too?" Amanda asked.
"Did you see you how many cassettes he has?" Lee answered. "And he insisted on bringing them in a carry-on. He couldn't mail them or put them in check-on luggage.'
"I didn't really mean music," she replied. "Maybe there's something else he needs. I'll call him before we leave."
"I think he'd be happier if you sent some cookies from home."
"You're right. I'll get on that as soon as we get there."
They each got a salad at one of the hotel restaurants, then went up to their room. Lee feigned sleep and when he was sure that Amanda was asleep he went to the flower stand by Macy*s and bought a white carnation for Amanda's hair, a boutonniere for himself, and a single rose in a vase for her.
He hurried back as he and Amanda would be needing to get up and getting changed. She was still asleep when he got back, so he touched her lips with his own to wake her up in his best Prince Charming imitation. She woke and asked what time it was.
Lee answered, "2:14, my sleeping beauty. We need to get going."
Amanda went into the bathroom to wash her face. She reapplied her make up while Lee put on a light blue suit and white shirt and peach tie. Then he brought the flower into her.
"Can you use this? I picked white because I didn't know what color you were wearing. I've always liked it when you've worn flowers in your hair."
"Oh, Lee. That's so sweet. Can I help you with yours?"
"Oh yes. And here. A rose for your bedside table. "
"So that's where you went."
"You knew I was gone?"
"I woke up once and noticed your absence. I wasn't worried. I figured it had something to do with this surprise of yours. If you leave the bathroom for a minute, I'll come out with mine."
Amanda had been surprised that Lee never asked about the extra bag she carried home. She hung up the dress when they first got back and most of the wrinkles were gone. Amanda put on the white strapped sandals and a short half-slip. After she had put on both pieces of the "dress," she fixed her hair. She swept up the front part sort of to the side and attached the flower to the barrette. She was hoping an imitation pearl necklace was okay for daytime, because it was all she had that matched.
When she went out to the room, Lee was standing by the window.
"Well, my lady, our carriage awaits. You look fabulous!"
"Thank you, my lord." and she hooked her hand through his elbow. He had thought about getting a Hansom Cab, but decided he didn't want to be behind a horse. Instead a limo was waiting. Amanda thought that Lee had the valet fetch his car.
At the front door, she noticed the long black vehicle and gasped:
"Oh my gosh! Lee, you shouldn't have."
"I know. Where we're going is not far, but I wanted to allow you the most time possible to sleep and dress. Tonight, we'll just take a regular cab."
A few minutes later they were at the door of the Palace Hotel. He helped her out of the limo and they went inside with his hand at the small of her back. He led her to the Garden Court and saw her eyes light up. A few minutes later the maitre'd led them to a loveseat with a coffee table in front. A few more minutes later they brought their tea and a three-tiered plate full of all kinds of fancy cakes.
Amanda smiled to herself and then Lee. He knew that Lee was doing this totally for her. Very few men were around. I
"You didn't have to do this," Amanda said with a smile.
"Oh, but I wanted to. You choose your treats first."
They sat quietly for a few minutes and then commented about the lovely setting and discussed some of the history of this famed hotel.
"I tried to get us a room here, but they were booked. Maybe next time."
"Oh, Lee. Will there be a next time?"
"Sure, we'll come back to San Francisco. Jamie will be here 7 years and Phillip will come out here soon also. Do you know that Jamie said he was hoping that his leaving home would push Phillip out faster? He thought Phillip would have gone first. It was easy to be one of two staying at home, but he would feel like he was cramping our style and would want us to finally have the house to ourselves for awhile."
"You're probably right, but it will be so empty. Oh, my gosh! I'm getting empty nest syndrome and it hasn't even happened yet."
"We're near one of the campuses of the school Phillip wants to go to. In fact, I've arranged a tour for after here. It won't take too long."
"You're just full of surprises, aren't you?"
Lee just gives her one of his trademark grins. He picked up a pastry and then put it down on his plate. A stunning young girl with long, red hair came up to their table.
"Mrs. King, I mean Mrs. Stetson, it's so good to see you again. Mr. Stetson, it's good to meet you after talking to you on the phone. Phillip has said so many good things about you both," the young girl gushed.
"It's good to see you, too. It's been a long time. Lee, Clara was in the car with us when you came up to our car in the pirate uniform. Phillip told me he was dating her a couple of years ago, but never brought her home. Then she graduated and came out here. She was E-mailing him about the school and told him there's a film school here. He told me she is studying fashion design. Isn't that right?"
"Yes. It keeps me very busy."
"Are you living nearby?" Amanda asked.
"Yes, I share a loft with five other girls a few blocks from here. I know it sounds crowded, but we're hardly all there at the same time and it makes it more affordable. When Phillip comes, I can help him find a place like that with other guys if he wants."
By this time Lee had paid the bill and they had walked out to the sidewalk.
They walked down to the campus down the street and she gave them a little tour of the building. She explained that there were several other campuses around town. They'd practically need a full day to see everything. They decided they'd do that once Philip was enrolled. Lee and Amanda walked back towards Market and found their limo. It had to go around a few blocks because of the one-way streets, but they were back at their hotel in just a short time. Lee gave the driver a nice tip and waved good-bye.
Back in their rooms, they realized they only had a couple of hours before they had to leave for the show. Lee called a cab company to arrange a pick-up and they put their robes on for quick naps. Neither of them were very hungry and they decided to skip dinner. There would be drinks and snacks at the show and if they were still hungry later, there would be a few places still open. Amanda put on her black dress with the spaghetti straps. Since Lee loved it so much, she could never get rid of it. She had brought black pumps, but decided to wear the black strappy sandals that she had picked up that morning that were similar to the white ones.
She put her hair up with a few tendrils coming down. The flower she had worn during the day had wilted so she tossed it out.
Lee put on a white jacket and black slacks, black shirt and white tie. They made a handsome couple. Holding hands they went down the elevator. Lee stared into the eyes of his wife, so he didn't get that sinking feeling. The cab came right on time and whisked them over to Club Fugazi in North Beach. Lee pointed out The Condor when they crossed Broadway. Amanda gave him a playful punch, just like when they were in that porno movie looking to clear Amanda's name when the agency thought she was a protester in the sixties.
"I hope we can go back later without crossing this street." Amanda protested.
Lee laughed and got another swat.
They arrived at the club and went in. They got a seat about halfway up. Lee went and got her a wine and himself a beer and a bowl of popcorn. The show has fun music and entertainers imitating various celebrities in a loose plot. The most amazing things were the hats some of the women wore. It took a special brace and a strong neck to put the city of San Francisco on your head.
"I get a headache just wearing a baseball cap," Amanda remarked.
"No wonder, I don't see you in hats much. I did see a picture of you with a sun hat on once. You looked so cute."
"Yea, that was long ago. It wasn't so bad. Better then getting a bad sunburn. I only had SPF 4 and it was early in the season. I think I gave it to mother to wear in the garden."
"Shall we go now? Do you want dinner?"
"Oh, I don't know. I'm a little hungry. How about just getting a milkshake? How about you?" Amanda knew Lee had to be hungry by now as he hadn't eaten that many goodies at tea.
"I'll get a hamburger."
They walked to a nearby hamburger joint that was recommend by one of the workers at the club. Lee enjoyed his hamburger and insisted that Amanda try a bite. He wanted to get a Coke, but Amanda suggested he get a Sprite instead. He complied and she sipped her banana shake slowly so as to not get brain freeze.
They hailed another cab and rode back to the hotel half-asleep. In the hotel they changed quickly and were sleep almost as soon as their heads hit the pillows. It had been a long, busy day.
Thursday
They woke up to a warm bright day about eight.
"Is today when we go to the wine country? I think it ‘s going to be hot." Amanda put on her robe and went over to the windows to look at the sky.
"No, I got reservations up there for a B & B tomorrow night and then at a hotel by the airport Saturday night. We can go tomorrow morning and make a full day of it after we check out here. Today we could go to the beach or take a Bay Cruise. Any ideas?"
"Let me look at the guide. (A few minutes later) There are a lot of little neighborhoods away from downtown. There's also the zoo, or we could go down the peninsula."
Lee pondered what she said a few minutes. "Hmm. We've got a nice zoo at home. Did you bring a suit? Why don't we just drive down the coast and stop at a nice beach. Bring a change of clothes that's a little warmer. The fog could come back just like that." He snapped his fingers.
They took a few minutes and packed small bags with their suits, flip-flops and change of clothes, books, and sunscreen. They both put on cargo shorts, polo shirts and sneakers. Lee pulled Amanda in an embrace and kissed her deeply.
"Are you sure you want to go anywhere?" Lee whispered in her ear.
"Yea, I think so. It's such a nice day. I do need breakfast soon."
They ate a quick breakfast at the hotel café and then Lee went to get the car stopping at the pay phones while Amanda went back up to get the bags, because they decided not to take them to breakfast.
Amanda got in the car and gave him a quick kiss.
" Who did you call? she asked pointedly.
"Why do you want to know?" Lee said, trying to dodge her questions.
"I tried to call Jamie and his line was busy."
"Maybe it was his roommate."
"Maybe his roommate has a class."
"It's still orientation week."
"Obviously you're not going to tell me."
Lee came up with a half-truth. "I will tell you. I called the office. Everything is as fine as could be. We're missed, but we have a good group working there, now. Francine seems to be in much better control then the first time she filled in for Billy."
"That's good. I can't imagine trying to fill in for you or my supervisor."
"I'm sure you'd rise to the occasion," Lee complimented.
They got on the Central Freeway then 101 South, then 280 South then Highway One. The first town they hit was Pacifica. Amanda pointed up to a castle on the hill above the highway that looked over the ocean and the Victorian house just below it.
"I wonder who lives there!?" Amanda enthused.
"The King of Pacifica?" Lee said in jest because he didn't know.
"Not the castle, the house. It's gorgeous. And what a view!"
A few minutes later they passed the Rockaway Beach area and over a hill, came to Pacifica State Beach. They decided to keep going and had to drive over Devil's Slide-a twisting road on a cliff above the ocean. They drove pass the Chart House in Montara because they were not yet hungry. Lee and Amanda decided to eat at a little restaurant at Princeton-by-the-Sea on their patio and after lunch changed to their suits in the bathroom with their clothes back on over them. They decided to go back up north instead of going down to Half Moon Bay and stopped at a beach at the south end of Montara. They laid down their towels and stripped off their outer clothes. Amanda had on a one-piece white suit that dipped low in the front and criss-crossed in the back, but the legs were straight cut. Lee wore blue boxer-short style trunks. They were a little bit tanned as the summer had just passed, but put on an SPF 15 lotion because it was mid-day. They also had their T-shirts close by. As it was a weekday after school started, they pretty much had the beach to themselves. Amanda fell asleep for a few minutes. When she woke up, she woke Lee up and they ran to the water. Amanda could not believe how cold it was. It did feel good after baking in the sun, but they could only stay in a few minutes. Back at their towels they laid down for a while until they were warm again. Then they got up and went to the outdoor showers and then into the bathrooms to change.
Lee drove back up the coast. It was only about five o'clock. Lee thought it would be nice to go back the hotel for decent showers and a change to warmer clothes. They saw a fog bank on the horizon and knew it would come in eventually. After his shower, Lee rested on the bed. Amanda was still in the bathroom drying her hair when the phone rang. This was the other half of the two calls he had made in the morning.
"Yes, this is the Stetson's room," Lee answered cheerily.
"Dad, I got your message," Jamie said. "I'd like to come over there, like you suggested. Our activity tonight is optional and there's nothing tomorrow until 3; so I could stay up late."
"We could get a roll-away bed if you want to stay over."
"No, I don't want to cramp your style."
"Don't worry about that. You know your mom won't think its safe for you to return at night."
"I'm not a girl and there are always a lot of people walking from the subway to campus. I can even get a campus guard to walk with me if I want to."
"Okay, we'll play it by ear. What time do you think you'll get here?"
"Probably in about an hour, but I wouldn't make hard and fast reservations." Lee gave Jamie directions from the Powell Street B.A.R.T. station and then hung up just as Amanda came in wearing a pair of blue jeans and pale pink cotton blouse.
Lee's breath caught in his throat at the vision. He had put on khaki slacks and a denim shirt, but thought about putting on jeans. He hadn't told Jamie how to dress. If had taken the trouble to get dressed up, he didn't want it to go wasted.
Amanda put her knee on the bed and crawled across to wear Lee was sitting.
"Who was that?"
" Who was what?"
"The phone."
"Surprise."
"More surprises?" Amanda said incredulously.
"Just one, well maybe two. I don't know yet where we'll eat."
"Oh, I could change if you want something a little dressier."
"Not sure. Let's look at the book and see if we're missing anything."
"Well, we went to Ghiradelli square, but nothing else up by the wharf."
"Clams again, my dear?" Lee jokingly asked.
Amanda laughed. She had told Lee about her cover the first time she worked with Lee. Also, she hadn't had clams at all. She wished she could have crab, but it was the wrong time of year.
Well, we could go to Pier 39. There are all kinds of restaurants and shops, even a food court. There's also the Cannery, which is a little like Ghiradelli, but without the chocolate," Amanda suggested.
"Put that down. We've got plenty of time, unless you're starving. I just want to relax for a few minutes."
"I think you're getting old, Stetson. We've rested a lot. You used to go 48 hours without stopping when you were an agent."
"I had to, to keep you and America safe. Don't forget, we'll be back. We don't have to see everything. I didn't show you Ft. Point, a Civil War fort. I loved going there when I was a boy. Just didn't think it would interest you. I'll take Jamie and Phillip some time."
"You might be surprised. But I can wait."
Lee kissed Amanda and they relaxed in each other's arms for a few minutes.
"Would you like a drink?" Lee asked
"Sure, do we have white wine?"
"Yes, there's one bottle left. I guess I'll have a scotch and water. I'll get some peanuts to munch."
All this was from their mini-bar. They sat back on the bed and turned on the TV to the news. The fog was coming back into the city, but it was supposed to be in the 80's in Sonoma and Napa the next day. Amanda switched to a national newscast. They settled back to learn of what was going on in the country and around the world.
Just as they newscast ended, there was a knock at the door.
"Did you order room service? I thought we were going out."
"No. Wait a minute. I'll see." Lee opened the door.
"Hi, Dad, Mom." Jamie come in and hugged Lee still holding the door.
Amanda jumped off the bed and gave Jamie a big hug.
She's started to cry. "Is everything all right? I didn't expect to see you again."
Jamie answered, "I'm fine. Everything is fine. I knew you were probably worried about embarrassing me by coming over, and I didn't want to interrupt your ‘honeymoon.'" He put up his fingers in the quote gesture. "But then I heard from Lee with an open invitation and I thought, hey its going to be a long time until I see them. I love you guys. I don't care if the others give me a bad time. I did tell my roommate and my R.A. Not that I'm accountable to them. Well, I guess I just wanted to see how far this would get out."
Jamie came in khaki slacks, blue cotton shirt with a navy colored sweater over his shoulders. Amanda thought about changing, but they said she looked fine and decided to go to Pier 39. They spent a little time at the carousel and some of the shops, then ate at an Italian Restaurant. They had driven out there and parked in the garage. They left the restaurant at 9:00 and Lee offered to take Jamie all the way back to Berkeley, if he didn't want to stay over.
"No, that's okay, you guys will need to pack and head out early. If I sleep over I'll just be in your way. I don't need you to take me over either. I see you're tired and I have a round trip ticket. I'll be fine I promise, Mom."
"Please call when you get home, Jamie. Oh, that sounds weird. I hope you always think of our house in Maplewood as home."
"I will, Mom. I'll be home for three or four weeks at Christmas. I think the Thanksgiving break is too short, but I'll be fine. There are a lot of kids from Northern California I can go home with or I may go skiing with other kids whose homes are too far to go home for that break."
"We can discuss this later. We'll be in touch. Study hard and stay away from the hippies and people's park."
"Not my scene, Mom. Give my love to Grandma and Phillip."
"I will." Jamie leaned forward as much as he could with a seat belt on and sort of hugged Amanda around the shoulders. She reached up and squeezed his hands with both of hers.
They were driving down the Embarcadero during this conversation and dropped him off at the Embarcadero station.
Back at the hotel they changed for bed. Lee added a T-shirt to his boxers because it was getting cool. She perused the tour book, trying to get a feel for what they'd be seeing in the wine country and he channel surfed and found Seinfeld was on. They were both tired, but Amanda said she wanted to wait up for Jamie's call. After Seinfeld was over, Lee tried to get Amanda interested in a little kissfest.
"It's sure to make him call. We always get interrupted," Lee was trying to help Amanda not worry.
She responded, "You're going to tell him what B & B we'll be staying in. I don't know."
"Okay, but I'll tell him it better be an emergency. That's going to be the honeymoon within the honeymoon."
A few minutes later Jamie called. He got home safely with the help of a big football player from his orientation group. John had also gone into the city to meet his parents, and they ended up on the same train back to school. They laughed at themselves because they were both trying not to admit it to each other. Jamie said John was really a nice guy from suburban L.A. and a P.E. major. Amanda gave the phone over to Lee for his good-byes and the number of the place they'd be staying up in Sonoma. Amanda kissed into the phone and said goodbye. She started to cry and Lee held her and kissed away the tears. He didn't think it was right to force any more kissing or anything, so he just held her until she fell asleep.
Friday
They were awake by 7:00 and packed up their stuff. Lee got the car and they drove north out of town and over the Golden Gate Bridge. They ate breakfast along the way and got up to Sonoma at 10:00. They stopped at the Buena Vista Winery, got a nice tour, and bought a few bottles of wine including one they would have for lunch. Then they went to the Sonoma Cheese Factory right on the square. They got cheese there and then some French Bread at the Bakery, and fruit in the small market, all around the little square in the middle of town. It was a beautiful day and they enjoyed eating out in the fresh air.
"I'm sorry, I couldn't get us a room at the Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa. I was lucky to even get a B & B for us on a weekend at this time of year. Next time we'll plan it for the middle of the week. I guess I just thought it easier not to break up our stay in the city."
"That sounds nice. Or we could stay at the Clairmont in Berkeley. It says that they have spa treatments there, too."
"Jamie might think we're spying on him."
"No, he's cool about the concern. Maybe he's concerned, too. About being on his own. I won't be there to tell him to do his homework or make sure he eats."
"Amanda, the boys have been at home on their own a lot in the past few years and have done a good job running the house when we've been busy. Your mother has hardly had to help at all."
"Well, for a couple of years I sent them over to her house or Carrie's to help with little Katie. I hope they're all right. I liked her new husband, but I miss her all the way up there in New York."
"It's amazing that you got along so well with your ex's second wife."
"She ended up being the sister I never had. I feel like an aunt to her child. I don't even know what I'd be called. We ought to get going if we're going to see any more wineries today. How long can we stay up here tomorrow?"
"I'd like to say all day, but the traffic will be bad. I'd say we ought to leave by two or three."
Before going to the wineries, they went by the B & B to check in. They went to the two other wineries that were close to town and then went back to the B & B to change for dinner. They went to a steak restaurant and split a big one. Then they returned to their room and enjoyed their whirlpool bath.
Saturday
Amazingly enough, they were hungry enough for breakfast early in the morning. Lee credited Amanda for having the idea of sharing a dinner, because they were so large. Amanda thought it was for a different reason and credited Lee.
After breakfast, they packed and drove up to Jack London State Park to tour the House of Happy Walls and the ruins of Wolf House. The view was awesome and Lee took pictures all around. After that they went to the two wineries near Glen Ellen. Then they went to The Olive Press to buy olives, bowls and olive oil.
They went back to Sonoma and had lunch at a Mexican restaurant. They just had Cokes to drink as they felt had had enough alcohol. Lee bought a couple of large bottles of water for the road and they took off. There was a lot of traffic on the little roads and highways in Sonoma county and again in Marin County as they got closer to the Golden Gate Bridge and also through the city. Lee dropped Amanda and their luggage off at the hotel, took the car to the airport to turn it in, then caught the hotel's shuttle back to the hotel.
"I missed you and I'm starving," Amanda complained.
" So, is it room service or the hotel restaurant?"
"The restaurant, I guess. I enjoy going out with you. See, I'm already dressed."
"I'll try to hurry. I feel a little skuzzy after that long drive and little trip to the airport. I'll shower first. Maybe you could eat some of our olives, cheese, or bread. Or you can get one of the honor snacks. I'll pay." Lee offered.
"The honor bar is just junk and If I open the food we bought, I won't be able to reseal it good enough to travel. I'll wait. I won't die. I think I've put on ten pounds since we got here."
Lee countered, "You haven't eaten that much and besides we've exercised a lot of it off."
"Get in the shower, already." Amanda hurried Lee.
Amanda looked out her window and towards the Northeast. She could see the tower of the campus far off in the distance. Amanda fought the tears, because she didn't want to have to redo her makeup. She gulped and went back towards the bed and watched some TV while she waited for Lee. He came out with jeans and a white polo shirt on.
"Sorry, Amanda. Everything else is wrinkled. I'll probably wear this on the plane, too, so don't let me get this shirt dirty."
"If you want, we could ask for a bib. Or I'll ask for an iron unless the shirts are dirty, too."
"Oh, lets not worry about it. Let's eat," Lee said as he walked towards Amanda."
Amanda kissed him and he noticed her unshed tears.
"What's wrong, dear?"
"I'm just sorry to see this week come to an end. It's been great here. If the boys do decide to settle out here after school, maybe we could retire around here, so we can see the grandchildren more often."
"Shh! You're making me feel old. That's still twenty-some years away.
"Don't agency people get to retire earlier, sometimes?"
"Then you have Dr. Smythe. He's still around,"
"And Harry was around a long time, too."
"Let's go."
They had a nice dinner and a special last night together. They had to get up at six a.m. to catch their 8: 00 flight. Amanda and Lee had coffee while they waited and then they had breakfast on the plane.
Tag (Four weeks later):
Amanda was in the bathroom, peeing on a stick. Lee's whistled while he got ready for work.
Lee called out to Amanda, "What's taking you so long? Are you having cramps?"
"No, I'm late," she answered.
"We still have an hour. Don't rush." he tried to reassure her.
"No, I mean my period is late. I should have had it two weeks ago, if I had a regular 28-day cycle. I haven't been too regular since I went off the pill a couple of years ago. Maybe I'm into perimenopause or something."
"Would that something be pregnant?" Lee asked.
"I'll tell you in five minutes. I've been in here taking the test. I didn't want to say anything until I was sure, but now the beans have been spilled. I'll unlock the door and you can come in and watch."
Since they were talking loudly to be heard through the door, Phillip heard something. He didn't know what, but crept to outside their bedroom door to eavesdrop and he heard everything, except the answer. It got quieter when Lee went into the bathroom, so he went downstairs to get breakfast. He knew they would tell him when they were ready and felt guilty for eavesdropping.
Back in the Stetson's bathroom, Lee looked at the stick and the instruction sheet.
"Yes, it's positive." Lee said enthusiastically. "How do you feel, honey?"
"I think I'm going to throw up."
"Really?"
"Yes, get off that toilet and leave me alone."
Lee jumped off and pulled up the lid and seat cover.
"Oh My Gosh! I want to stay and help you, honey. Let me hold back your hair."
She answered by emptying her dinner from last night into the toilet bowl.
Eight months later
I'll spare you the details, but they had a baby girl and named her Frances (it would have been Francis if it was a boy) after the city she was conceived in. When they nicknamed her Franny, Francine thought she was named after her.